Eastern Canada Region of Soroptimist International of the America

In addition to participating in club community projects, Soroptimists participate in Federation-level award programs. These programs are funded by the Soroptimist Program Fund.

WOMEN’S OPPORTUNITY AWARD (WOA) is a grant awarded to female heads of households who need additional skills, training and education to enable them to upgrade their employment status to re-enter the workforce so they can provide adequately for themselves and their families.

WOA begins at the club level after which club winners become eligible for Region-level Award of US$5,000. One Federation-level finalist is chosen from among the region winners to receive an additional US$10,000.

If you live in Ontario or Quebec, and wish to apply for this award, click here to download application. Applications must be sent to your local Soroptimist Club. If there is not a club near you, please include your full name and mailing address and contact the Region Awards Chair, Joan Sturch, at jsturch@cogeco.ca, for further instruction. For the next Award cycle, completed applications are due each year by December 15.

If you do NOT live in Ontario or Quebec, instructions about this award are available on the Soroptimist International of the Americas website, www.soroptimist.org.
If you live in Western Canada please contact the Western Canada Region at www.wcsoroptimist.org.
If you live in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador please contact the Northeastern Region at www.soroptimistnortheasternregion.org.

VIOLET RICHARDSON AWARD - Honouring Young Women for Volunteer Action. This new award was launched at the SIA Federation Convention in Hawaii in July 2000. The Violet Richardson award recognizes young women ages 14-17 engaged in volunteer action within their communities or schools. The award is given to young women whose volunteer activities make the community and world a better place.

Applicants should be advised that club-level recognition varies and depends on the club to which they are applying. An honouree may receive certificates or recognition in the local newspaper. Clubs may also give a cash award, given in her honour, to the organization, agency or charity where she is most active.
Club honourees become eligible for region recognition, a US$1000 cash award plus US$1000 is given in the recipient's honour to her volunteer organization. Public recognition will be given to the honouree at the Federation level and US$2500 will be given to the organization where the honouree is an active volunteer.

Deadline for applications to the clubs is December 1st each year.

If you live in Ontario or Quebec, and wish to apply for this award, contact your local Soroptimist club. If you provide them with your full name and mailing address, they will mail you an application since applications are NOT available on-line. If there is not a club near you, please include your full name and mailing address and contact the Region Awards Chair, Joan Sturch, at jsturch@cogeco.ca, for further instruction. Some clubs may accept applications outside of their area. The Region Awards Chair will attempt to match you with a club who is willing to accept your application.

If you do NOT live in Ontario or Quebec, but live in other areas of Canada, please contact the Soroptimist Region that applies to you through their website:
If you live in Western Canada please contact the Western Canada Region at www.wcsoroptimist.org.
If you live in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland and Labrador please contact the Northeastern Region at www.soroptimistnortheasternregion.org.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR WOMEN - Soroptimist International honours women who use their personal or professional influence to improve the lives of other women. The region level winner goes on to compete at the federation level. The federation level woman receives $5000 donation to her favourite charitable organization and the winner will be invited to accept her award at the SIA biennial convention or other federation meeting.

SOROPTIMIST OF THE YEAR - is an award given to one outstanding Soroptimist in each club each year. Award names to be sent to regional governor by April 1st for regional recognition at the annual region conference.